no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s 

-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s

: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike

a no-nonsense manager

Synonyms of no-nonsense

• solemn
• serious
• stern
• professional
• earnest

Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Recent Examples on the Web

But Ditka's hard-nosed, no-nonsense demeanor only further endeared him to Chicago fans. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

So does Willow Kean as Ruth, Calvin’s no-nonsense older sister and Snook’s Arm’s harbormaster. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Strength coach Rusty Whitt has transformed players’ bodies while instilling a competitive fire and no-nonsense approach. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026

The consultancy is geared toward professionals who aren’t receiving much guidance on the job; participants will likely receive some of that no-nonsense feedback Campanile was known for at 60 Minutes. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for no-nonsense

• nonsense

Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective

: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious

a no-nonsense manager